I encourage many of you to consider this kind of genealogical training yourself. I have been taking Course 8, which has focused on Land records and maps. It has been an amazing and I now have so many ideas that I hope to be able to put into motion. This has been one of the more thorough experiences that one could have in terms of becoming sharper in one’s own skills. Today is the last day of classes, and I look forward to coming back again.

This weekend is a special one—it is the Juneteenth weekend! Juneteenth commemorates the events that occurred on the 19th of June when, General Granger sailed into Galveston Harbor and informed those still held in bondage that slavery had ended and they were free. The news brought about celebrations throughout the region. Every year on that date, the community in Galveston and beyond, held events, services, picnics and gatherings to celebrate the event. It has since grown to become a nationwide celebration of freedom.